UV Guide

Light from the sun contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. While UVC rays are the most dangerous, they are blocked by the ozone layer and don’t reach the earth. UVB rays, on the other hand are the rays that can burn the skin. UVA rays don’t burn the skin, but do cause damage! “We shouldn’t be lulled into thinking that UVA rays are okay just because they don’t cause a sunburn,” says Dr. Jang. They penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays and can cause everything from premature aging to skin cancer.

Dangers of Tanning

About 20 years ago, conventional wisdom was: Tan, don’t burn. “That has long gone by the wayside. We realize that it’s accumulated ultraviolet exposure that ultimately ages our skin and puts us at risk for skin cancer,” says Dr. Jang. “Suntan is your pigment cells responding to ultraviolet damage, so we don’t advocate tanning at all.” And sun damage is not a pretty sight. As Jang explains, it causes amino suppression, the creation of free radicals, and breaks in DNA, which all lead to the formation of wrinkles, thinning of the skin, brown mottling and blotchiness.
Protect with Sunscreen

When it comes to protecting the skin from sun damage, eschewing the use of sunscreen is not an option. And it’s important to apply the correct amount. “We want people to apply about 1/2 teaspoon on the face, half and hour before sun exposure. If you’re spending time outdoors, reapply every two hours, especially if involved in an activity,” says Dr. Jang. Apply Olay Pro-X Age Protection Lotion with SPF 15. The Lotion is designed and professionally tested to help shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB exposure. If you use foundation, try OlayTotal Effects Touch of Foundation, for a light colour that hides imperfections.

Antioxidants to the Rescue

If you’ve been neglecting your skin, don’t fret. As Dr. Jang explains, there are measures you can take to undo any damage that’s been done and restore a youthful appearance. For example, “you can attack sun damage that’s already happened by using antioxidants on the skin,” says Dr. Jang. Apply Olay Regenerist Intensive Night Recovery Cream which hydrates to help rebuild cellular surface structure and restore firmness, regenerating a more youthful appearance. “Antioxidants combat free-radical damage (which leads to premature aging) and potentially enhance the effects of the SPF,” she says. Also, Olay Complete Defense SPF 30+ offers ample sun protection and, containing a combination of peptides and vitamin B3, hydrates the skin.

Cover Your Skin

Along with using an Olay product with SPF every day, there are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to help protect your skin from sun damage, says Dr. Jang. Remember, just because you don’t make it a habit to lie outside in the sun, your skin is still susceptible to sun damage anytime you’re outdoors, whether going for a jog, gardening in the yard or walking home from work. So be sure to seek the shade (for example, walk on the shady side of the street), wear clothes that cover up vulnerable areas like your delicate décolleté, and don a hat and sunglasses to help protect your skin from the sun — and keep it looking healthy and young!

ROUGE TIP: Download Olay's brand new UV detection app! This must-have new iPhone app allows you to instantly find out the UV conditions for the day, so that you can make sure your skin is sufficiently protected! Download from the itunes store today, ready for the summer!